Description
This Slow Cooker Turkey Breast recipe delivers juicy, tender turkey infused with aromatic herbs and spices. Cooked low and slow with vegetables in a flavorful broth, the turkey develops deep flavors while remaining moist and succulent. A quick broil finishes off the skin for a crispy texture, and a rich homemade gravy made from drippings perfectly complements this easy-to-make, comforting dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Rub Mixture
- 1 boneless turkey breast with skin (about 2 ½ – 3 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter or olive oil
Vegetables and Broth
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for slow cooker base)
- 2 stalks celery, halved
- 2 medium carrots, quartered
- 1 large red onion, cut into ½-inch wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, whole
For Basting and Gravy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth (for gravy)
Instructions
- Mix Rub Mixture: In a small bowl, combine Italian herbs, kosher salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, dried basil, brown sugar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and melted butter or olive oil. Stir well to form a cohesive rub.
- Rub Turkey: Evenly spread the prepared rub mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring all surfaces are coated for maximum flavor penetration.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Arrange the halved celery stalks, quartered carrots, red onion wedges, and whole garlic cloves evenly over the broth.
- Add Turkey to Slow Cooker: Place the rubbed turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker, skin side facing up to allow the skin to crisp later.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the meat moist.
- Broil for Crispy Skin: Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil it in the oven for 3 to 5 minutes until the skin is nicely browned and crispy. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
- Baste: During cooking and broiling, brush the turkey occasionally with melted butter or leftover rub mixture to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the turkey breast from the broiler and let it rest for 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender when sliced.
- Make Gravy: Strain the drippings and vegetables from the slow cooker into a saucepan over medium heat. In a separate pan, make a roux by melting 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and whisking in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour until smooth and golden. Slowly whisk 1 to 2 cups of turkey or chicken broth into the roux until smooth, then add the strained drippings. Simmer until thickened, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Slice the rested turkey breast and serve warm with the flavorful homemade gravy drizzled on top.
Notes
- Make sure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F to ensure safe consumption.
- Broiling time can vary depending on your oven; watch closely to avoid burning the skin.
- You can substitute olive oil for melted butter in the rub if preferred.
- Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to monitor the turkey’s doneness.
- The vegetables cooked beneath provide aromatic flavor and can be served alongside the turkey or used in gravy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 6 oz turkey with gravy)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: slow cooker turkey breast, slow cooked turkey, turkey recipe, easy turkey breast, turkey with gravy, slow cooker recipes
